Liquid vending apparatus



Nov. 7, 1950 R. R. HULL 2,529,394

LIQUID VENDING APPARATUS Filed May 20, 1947 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 MR Q v H N Q N '1: [E s 61 N J K mg S nnnnnn a 5 N 11]: Robert/2.112;.

Nov. 7, 1950 R. R. HULL 2,529,394

LIQUID VENDING APPARATUS Filed May 20, 1947 5 Sheets-Sheet 2.

Ndv. 7, 1950 R. R. HULL 2,529,394

LIQUID VENDING APPARATUS Filed May 20, 1947 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Nov. 7, 1950 R. R. HULL LIQUID VENDING APPARATUS 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed May 20, 1947 Robert R.Hul2.

Nov. 7, 1950 Filed May 20, 1947 R. R. HULL 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 UN rr.

1 J l m9 //7 #8 E CI46 C UP DISPENSER MECHANISM 1 tion of the beverage.

Patented Nov. 7, 1950 LIQUID VENDING APPARATUS Robert R. Hull, Pasadena, Calii'., assignor, by mesne assignments, to California Fruit Growers Exchange, Los Angeles, Calii'., a corporation of California Application May 20, 1947, Serial No. 749,246

28 Claims.

This invention relates to Liquid Vending Apparatus; and it relates more particularly to an apparatus of the type suitable for vending a consumer unit volume of potable beverage into a cup from a relatively large supply of such beverage, all oi the operations involved being effected automatically after actuation by a customer of suitable control mechanism incorporated in the apparatus.

Applicant has previously disclosed in his copending application, Ser. No. 641,267, filed January 15, 1946, an apparatus for vending suitable portions of a beverage to a consumer, and it is a purpose of the present invention to adapt such apparatus for completely automatic operation.

The apparatus herein disclosed is especially adapted to store in bulk a volume of beverage, for example, orange, tomato, pineapple, apple or other fruit or vegetable juice, more desirably in refrigerated condition, and to effect a withdrawal therefrom of an exactly predetermined volume oi appropriate amount for a single drink, such withdrawal being accomplished automatically upon the insertion of a coin in the machine by the customer. It is also anobiect to provide means for returning the customers money to him should the supply of beverage be insuflicient to enable the apparatus to dispense the proper amount of beverage. It is a particular feature of this invention, therefore, to combine with such vending means heretofore disclosed. suitable means for preventing further dispensing action of the apparatus after the supply of beverage has been reduced to a point where a full portion can no longer be dispensed. In this instance, this is accomplished by weighing the amount of beverage being dispensed and by utilizing this weight to control the further operation of the machine.

In general, the present invention consists of a dispensing unit which includes a refrigerated compartment and a power actuated dipper or scoop pivotally mounted within this compartment to depend into a beverage supply tank and capable of being oscillated therein to effect agita- Moreover, this dipper is adapted and arranged to be swung, upon demand. to a point beyond its normal limit of oscillatory movement to withdraw a portion of the means for properly coordinating these operations also be incorporated, if desired, to maintain the beverage in a more potable condition.

Further objects 0! the invention will appear in connection with the description of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which Fig. 1 is a view in elevatlonal perspective of the assembled apparatus;

Fig. 2 is a view in front elevation of Fig. 1, in which the outer cabinet door has been swung open to expose certain parts of the inner assemblv;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary view of the inner assembly in which the front panel of the refrigerated compartment has been opened to permit access to the supply tank and dispensing dipper;

Fig. 4 is a top plan view of the inner assembly with the outer cabinet removed;

Fig. 5 is a partial view in rear elevation showing the driving motor and parts of the dipper actuating mechanism;

Fig. 6 is a sectional view on line 6-8 of Fig. 5 of a transmission assembly;

Fig. 7 is a view looking in the direction of the arrows on line 1-1 of Fig. 4 showin the arrangement of certain electrical control apparatus;

Fig. 8 is a detailed view of the dipper in its operating position within the refrigerated compartment, showing a part of its supporting and actuating assembly and associated discharge nozzle;

Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of an electrical circuit suitable for controlling the automatic operations of the apparatus.

In the particularly desirable embodiment of the apparatus here shown, a removable outer cabinet 20 is provided for enclosing the dispensing unit assembly, indicated generally in the drawings at A. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, cabinet 20 is provided with interlocking front and side panels 2| and 22, respectively, suitably hinged to the cabinet to permit them to be unlocked and swung open to gain access to assembly A or for removal of the latter entirely from the cabinet. if desired. Cabinet 20 serves to prevent tampering with the enclosed operating mechanism and provides sanitary protection therefor, as well as giving the whole assemblage a pleasing external appearance. A refrigerating unit, if employed, may be located in the lower part of the cabinet and ventilating apertures 23 in the cabinet are provided to permit proper circulation of air. Similarly, screened louvres 24 at the upper sides of the cabinet permit ventilation of assembly A.

A cup access aperture is cut in the central portion of panel 2| to permit removal of the cup by the customer at the completion of the vending operation, and a window 25a just above this aperture permits the customer to see when the flow of beverage to the cup has stopped. In addition, door panel 2i is provided with a coinreceiving slot 26 and subadjacent guide 21 for delivering a deposited coin to coin mechanism 23. A receiver 29 for coins refused by the machine is also secured to this panel. Guide 21 and receiver 23 are so positioned on panel 2| as to bring them into proper alignment with coin mechanism 28 whenever the panel is in its closed position. An aperture 30 in panel 21 permits access by the customer to receiver 29 to enable him to recover returned coins. A reject" knob I, also carried by panel 2|, projects therethrough and is actuated by the customer to recover coins which are bent or for other reasons stick within the coin mechanism. Knob 3| is likewise so positioned on panel 2| as to cause it to come into proper alignment with its associated coin mechanism 28 when .panel 2! is closed.

The actual drink-dispensing device here employed is similar to that described in applicant's aforementioned copending application. In this instance, this device comprises that part of assembly A, shown more particularly in Figs. 3 and 8, which is centrally disposed of the apparatus. It consists essentially of a beverage supply tank 32 within a refrigerated compartment 33, and a hollow-handled dipper 34 pivotally suspended from the roof or upper partition 35 of compartment 33 to hang downwardly into tank 32. A horizontal shaft 35 projects through the rear wall 31 of the compartment and is journaled in suitable bearings 38 within a housing 38a which is supported from upper partition 35. Shaft 36 is provided with a drive sprocket 39 at its outer end and with suitable bayonet joint engagingpins 40" at its inner end. This inner end is adapted to engage and support dipper 34 as well as impart the various necessary swinging motions to it. For this purpose, the handle of the dipper is constructed in the shape of a T at its upper end, its hollow stem 4| being bent at right angles to form an elbow 42 completing one arm of the T while a sleeve 43 is welded on at the bend so as to be concentrically aligned with the terminal portion of elbow 42 and thus form the other arm of the T. Sleeve 43 is provided with a conventional bayonet socket at its free end by which it is adapted to receive and engage the inner end of shaft 36 and pins 40 thereof. A spring 44 is interposed between the end of shaft 3.6 and the base of the socket in sleeve 43 to ensure a positive locking engagement between the shaft and the dipper. By means to be described in detail hereinafter, dipper 34 is normally actuated by shaft 36 to oscillate back and forth in tank 32 within relatively small angular limits and thus impart an agitating effect to the beverage contained therein. This not only assists in maintaining the beverage in chilled condition but is particularly advantageous in connection with such beverages as orange or tomato juice where it is very desirable to keep the solid matter of such juices uniformly suspended throughout the entire volume. When, however, it is desired to dispense a drink from supply tank 32, dipper 34 is swung to cause it to scoop up a volume of beverage in its scoop end and, as the swing is continued beyond the forward limiting position of an agitating cycle, to lift the scoop above the level of elbow 42. As this occurs, the beverage will, of course, flow from the scoop through the hollow handle 4| and thus be discharged at the open end of the elbow. From this point, the beverage is conducted to a receiving cup or container by a discharge spout or nozzle 45. This nozzle projects through an aperture 46 in front panel 41 of the refrigerated compartment and is detachably secured therein by flange 45a which is slipped under a spring clip 45b on panel 47 by rotative movement of the nozzle within aperture 46. The terminal portion of elbow 42 telescopes within the inwardly extending shank of nozzle 45, the shank being made sufficiently long and of suitable intemal diameter for this purpose. Since nozzle 45 is fixed in panel 41, the swinging action of dipper 34 causes relative angular movement to occur between adjacent surfaces of elbow 42 and the nozzle. In order to eliminate any bearing surface at this point with which the beverage might come in contact and thus become contaminated, the internal diameter of the nozzle shank is made appreciably greater than the external diameter of elbow 42 so that no contact can occur between adjacent portions of the shank and the elbow. This arrangement, moreover, facilitates the opening of panel 41 without the necessity of first removing nozzle 45. A platform 48 is provided below nozzle 45 for supporting a cup during the dispensing operation.

An automatic cup dispenser 49 is included in assembly A, and the subadjacent guards 49a, secured to panel 41, serve to guide a cup to its proper position on platform 48 below nozzle 45. This dispenser is electrically controlled and is adapted and arranged to deliver a cup each time a coin is deposited in the machine. Further detailed description of the operation of this dispenser will be given in connection with the electrical system diagram.

In order to provide easy access to the supply tank 32 for refilling purposes, panel 41 is hinged along a vertical edge to assembly A to permit it to be swung open, as shown more particularly in Fig. 3. Suitable spring closure means 41a is provided along the free edge of panel 41 to enable the panel to be securely retained in the closed position during operation of the apparatus. Thus, in order to refill tank 32. it is merely necessary to release closure means 41a to open panel 41, sufficient clearance being provided between elbow 42 and discharge nozzle 45 to permit this without first removing nozzle 45. In this instance, tank 32 is provided with an arcuate shaped well 32a in its bottom into which dipper 34 is adapted to swing. The purpose of the well is to cause the remaining beverage to collect at this point as the supply diminishes so that as much as possible-of the original beverage may be removed before refilling becomes necessary. Because the well causes tank 32 to have an irregularly shaped bottom, the tank is more readily supported within the compartment 33 by means of flange-engaging lips 32b along the upper opposite ends of the tank. Flanges 320 are secured to opposite side-walls of the compartment for supporting the tank by these lips. By swinging the dipper to the position shown in Fig. 3 so that it clears well 32a, the tank may then be slid forward along its sup ort rail: 320 a sufiicient distance to make it accessible for refilling. If it is desired to remove the tank entirelv, this may be done by first raising dipper 34 to its highest or dispensing position where it will thus clear the upper edges of the tank as the latter is withdrawn. It is also possible, of course, to remove the dipper itself, if desired, by pressing inwardly in the direction of shaft 36 and then turning to disengage it from the shaft at the bayonet Joint.

Power for effecting the agitating or dispensing action of the dipper is supplied by a motor M through a power transmission B, both of which are mounted on the top of unit A.

Oscillatory motion is imparted to the dipper to agitate the beverage within the supply tank by means of transmission 3 through a horizontal driven shaft 56 and a plate crank 5| made fast with the outer end of this shaft for rotation in a vertical plane. Plate crank 5| is provided with a crank pin 5|a which is secured near the periphery of the crank. Connection between pin 5|a of the plate crank and drive sprocket 39 on dipper actuating shaft 36 is made by a roller-chain and spring assembly, as shown more particularlly in Fig. 5. A central section of roller chain 52 of this assembly passes around and operatively engages sprocket 39. One end of chain 52 is fastened to the lower end of spring 53, while its opposite end is fastened to the lower end of a second spring 54. Roller-chain 55 connects the crank pin 5|a of plate crank 5| to the upper end of spring 53 where it is secured by an attaching bracket 53a. Spring 54 is fastened at its upper end to the rear wall 56 of assembly A by means of a tension adjustingscrew and bracket assembly 51.

Plate crank 5| is driven continuously while motor M is in operation and therefore during 180 of rotation will cause chain 52 to be pull (1 over sprocket 39 in a clockwise direction (Fig. 5) against the tension of spring 54. As the plate crank completes the other 180 of rotation, the tension set up in spring 54' will then cause chain 52 to be pulled back over sprocket 39 in the reverse direction as crank pin 5|a returns to its lowest position. In this manner a continuous oscillatory motion is imparted to the dipper. For reasons to be described presently, the tensile strength of spring 53 is so proportioned to that of spring 54 that no appreciable extension of the former takes place during the above described cycle of operation.

In order to effect the desired dispensing operation, transmission B is provided with a second plate crank 58 which is secured to the outer end a of a horizontal shaft 59, parallel to shaft 53 so as to be rotatable in the same plane as crank 5|. A crank pin 60 projects through a hole 58a (Fig. 7) in plate crank 58 and is secured to acam plate 6| which is pivotall mounted on the inner face of the plate crank. A short chain segment 62 connects this crank to the upper end of spring 53 by means of bracket 53a where it forms a Y junction with chain 55. The diameter of crank 58 is substantially greater than that of crank 5| so that when this plate is rotated it will cause a greater linear movement of chain '52 and thus turn sprocket 39 through a larger angle than does crank 5|. Plate crank 58 is normally idle, but, by means of a solenoid controlled clutch, may be connected to the power source to cause the crank to rotate;

In the particular position shown" in Fig. 5, crank pins 5|a and 60 of cranks 5| and 58, re-

spectively, are at the minimum or starting positions of their respective crank throws. In this condition, dipper 34 is held in its most rearward position (i. e., to th right in Fig. 5) by the ten'- sion of spring 54 acting through chain 52 and sprocket 39. Becausethe diameter of crank 58 is greater than that of crank 5|, rotation of the former (in a counterclockwise direction as here shown) overcomes the effect of the latter and thus chain simply becomes slack and has no effect upon dipper 34, although crank 5| continues to rotate. As pin 60 nears the top of its throw, dipper 34 has been swung upwardly far enough to bring its scoop end above the level of elbow 42. Continued rotation of crank 58 would normally, of course, cause dipper 34 to be swung still farther until pin 6|) reached the top of its throw, after which it would again begin its descent. It

has been found desirable, however, to stop the swing of the dipper at a point just slightly above the horizontal plane of its axis and to hold it there momentarily to permit the beverage contained in the scoop to drain out completely. In order to accomplish this purpose, sprocket 39 is provided on its inner face with a pin 63 which is adapted to engage an adjustable stop 64 secured to the rear wall 56 of assembly A, as shown in Fig. '7. The abutment of pin 63 against plate 64 (indicated here in broken lines) is set to occur before pin 60 has reached the top of its throw. Because sprocket 39 is thus prevented from turning any farther, continued rotation of plate crank 58 causes spring 53 to be stretched while crank pin 68 passes through the upper portion of its path of movement. During this period, of course, there will be no movement of dipper 34, but as pin 60 returns toward its minimum position, spring 53 once again assumes its original condition and subsequent travel of pin 60 will then permit spring 54 to return dipper 34 to its rearmost position as previously described. After plate crank 58 has made one complete revolution, it is automatically disconnected from its power source and remains idle until another vending operation is desired. The control of dipper 34 is thereby returned to plate crank 5| and the normal agitating cycle is resumed.

As previously mentioned, power is supplied to rotate plate cranks 5| and 58 by motor M which is connected through coupling 65 to drive shaft 66 of transmission B. Shaft 66 is suitably journaled in the transmission housing 61 and has a worm gear 68 pinned thereto which meshes into gear 69 fixed on shaft 10. Shaft ill extends at right angles to shaft 66 and is provided at its ends with suitable bearings 1|, 12. in gear case 61. A pinion 13, also fast on shaft 10, meshes into a spur gear 74 secured to shaft 50. Shaft 50 is parallel to shaft 10 and is provided with bearings 15, 16, in the gear case. As mentioned above, agitating plate crank 5| is mounted on the outer end of shaft 50 outside the gear case and is caused to rotate continuously by motion transmitted through the gear train just described whenever motor M is in operation. A pinion TI is secured to shaft 50 within the gear case and meshes with a spur gear 18 which is freely rotatable on shaft 59. Bearings I9, 80, in gear casefi'l are provided for shaft 59, and vending or dispensing plate crank 58 is secured to the outer end of this shaft. In order to impart rotation to shaft 59, a pinclutch assembly C is secured on shaft 59 adjacent gear I8 and is adapted and arranged to engage this gear. Engagement between clutch C and gear 18 is accomplished in this instance by ho es 8|, Bla, in the web of gear 18 which are adapted to receive a sliding pin 82 of the clutch. For this purpose, pin 82 is mounted upon a carrier plate 83 which is axially slidable on shaft 59, whereby it can be moved toward or away from gear I8 to effect engagement or disengagement; of the pin with hole 8| or 8|a of the gear. A clutch driving collar 84, also secured to shaft 59, is placed intermediate carrier plate 83 and gear I8 and has a hole 85 through which pin 82 projects and by which it is slidably engaged. A second pin 86, diametrically opposite pin 82, is also mounted on carrier plate 83 and slidably engages collar 84 in hole 81. This pin is provided only to assist in guiding pin 82 and for this reason is made much shorter than pin 82 to prevent its projecting completely through collar 84 when the clutch is fully engaged. Springs 88, through which pins 82 and 86 pass, bear against collar 84 and carrier plate 83 at their opposite ends, respectively, and yieldingly hold the clutch in its disengaged position. For engaging gear I8, a clutch arm 89 contacts carrier 83 and forces it toward collar 84 until the longer pin 82 strikes the web of gear I8. As gear I8 rotates continuously,-

one of the holes 8| or 8|a will eventually come be inserted into it by the further action of'clutch arm 89. Once pin 82 has been projected into one of its cooperating holes in gear I8, the motion of its source of power. Operation of the solenoid to establish the driving connection just outlined is controlled by an electrical circuit described hereinafter.

It is desirable for various reasons, though not indispensable to the satisfactory operation of the apparatus, to have the start of a dispensing cycle occur at certain positions of the dipper during its agitating cycle. It becomes increasingly more difficult, for example, to obtain uniform measured quantities of the beverage for every dispensing operation if the vending cycleis begun when the dipper is in that portion of its agitating cycle in which it is moving away from the dispensing position. At such a time, the direction of movement of the dipper would, of course, be suddenly reversed and this is likely to cause at least some of the beverage contained in the scoop to spill out. The greatest uniformity of operation is found to obtain when the vending cycle is begun at that point during the agitating cycle 2 l in which the dipper is at its rearmost position into alignment with pin 82 and the pin will then pensing position) cordingly to the vending plate crank 58.

Clutch arm 89 is secured to the inner end of a shaft 98. which extends transversely to shaft 59 and projects through the end wall of transmission I (i. e. the position farthest from the ultimate dis- This is accomplished by initially securing clutch C on shaft 59 so that clutch ahead of the lowest position of its crank throw. Since, in this instance, gear I8 is made to have a diameter twice that of its driving pinion II,

B. Bearings 9|, 92, in housing 6! support thel shaft to permit rotation of arm .89 while collars;- 93, 94, which are secured on shaft 99, bear against actuating solenoid connects to this lever. In this instance, the clutch is controlled by solenoid 96, as shown in Fig. ,5, which is mounted on a brack et 91 above the clutch lever. An armature 98 is coupled to lever 95 by means of aspring 99.

The actuation of this solenoid causes armature ,the, latter makes two revolutions for every one of gearI8, and accordingly, by spacing a second hole A lever 95 is f secured to the outer end of shaft 90, and a clutch 98 to be withdrawn upwardly into the solenoid and this motion is transmitted through spring 99 to'lever 95. Spring 99 allows armature 98 to complete its travel while at the same time the travel of lever 95 and clutch arm 89 may not be completed if pin 82 does not happen to align with one of the holes 8|, Me, in gear I8 at that moment. When such alignment is effected, however, by the rotation of gear I8, tension in spring 99 is sufficient to overcome that of springs 88 and cause pin 82 to be forced into either hole 8| or 8|a. It can be seen, therefore, that spring 99 must be fairly stiff to ensure positive action of the clutch, and consequently solenoid 96 must be capable of overcoming a rather heavy pull. In order to reduce the size of the solenoid necessary to effect this operation, the linkage between the clutch lever 95 and armature 98 is made sufficiently loose in the deenergized condition of the solenoid so that no stretching of spring 99 occurs until armature 98 has moved an appreciable distance. In this manner, the armature can acquire enough momentum before any stretching of the spring takes place to make it practical to use a much smaller solenoid than would be possible if the armature started its travel under spring tension. j

Upon the completion of one revolution of plate crank 58, the solenoid is deenergized, tension is removed from spring 99, and springs 88 immediately withdraw pin 82 from engagement with gear I8, thus disconnecting the plate crank from -i""'8|a diametrically opposite hole 8| in gear I8, the "-j same timed actuation of the vending crank with re'spectto the position of dipper 34 will be obtained when engagement of gear I8 is made by this second hole. In this way a full, uninterrupted swing of dipper 34 to its dispensing position will result each time the vending plate crank 58 is caused to rotate, whether clutch C engages gear I8 by hole 8| or 8|a. If neither of these holes is aligned with the clutch pin at the time the clutch is initially actuated, the pin will, of course, merely abut against the web of gear 'I8and remain there until one of the holes comes into alignment. While it is possible to have the vending crank pin begin its throw at the lowest point in its path of rotation, quicker actuation of the dipper by the vending crank and smoother overall operation is obtained by, advancing the pin slightly beyond this lowest point, about 15, as mentioned above, being effective for this purpose.

The foregoing provisions are designed to ensure the uniformity of the unit volume of beverage dispensed where the supply tank contains enough beverage to completely fill the dipper. Most desirably the apparatus of the invention further includes provision whereby, in order to guard against short-changing the customer, the dispensing mechanism is automatically rendered inoperative when the supply of beverage in the tank has become so depleted that the dipper can scoop up and. carry with it into dispensing position only a quantity that is not negligibly less than that which the customer is supposed to get for the coin he deposits; provision being also made for rejecting and returning to the customer a coin deposited while this condition prevails. The provision for rendering the dispensing mechanism inoperative may be broadly characterized as responsive to the quantity of liquid contained in the dipper or other measuring member while moving into or approaching performance of, say, one or two more dispensing position, and as operable in case of a predetermined deficiency in such quantity to render the dispensing cycle driving means incapable of functioning until normal conditions of beverage supply are restored. For various reasons it is generally desirable in practice that said provision be of such character that it does not render the dispensing mechanism inoperative immediately upon occurrence of the quantity deficiency, but only after a delay permittingdispensing cycles before shut-down.

Within the broad scope of the invention, it is feasible to employ any of various different speciflc forms of quantity-responsive means for the purpose indicated. Thus, a change from normal in either the volume (liquid level) or the weight of the portion of beverage in the dipper, removed from the supply in the tank and elevated into dispensing position, may be the quantitative control factor utilized. However, in the specific embodiment herein illustrated by way of example and found to have great practical advantages, the weight factor is utilized. Specifically, provision is made to weigh the dipper audits contents during that part of each dispensing cycle just before the stem ll of the dipper attains the horizontal in its upward swing; and, when there is a weight deficiency, to utilize this for actuation of circuit control means which operates, in the present instance, to initiate stepby-step changes in the control circuit which result, after only a very few more dispensing cycles have been performed, in preventing energization of the clutch-operating solenoid 9S and hence stop further vendin operation of, the apparatus. As here shown (Fi s. 7 and 9), aagnovable cam plate 8|, mounted on the rear face of vending crank 58, acts as a weighing arm or lever, displacement of which from normal by a significant weight deficiency in a given dipper load actuates a control switch I05 to initiate the clutch-actuating circuit changes. Cam plate 6| is generally triangular in shape and is pivotally attached at one of its apexes by means of a stud I 00 to crank 58 near the periphery thereof. Crank pin 60 is secured to an adjacent apex of the cam and, as previously explained, projects forwardly through an aperture 58a in crank plate 58. Aperture 58a and crank pin 60 are approximately diametrically opposed to stud I00 on the plate crank. In this instance, aperture 58a is about one-half inch in diameter while pin 60 has a diameter of about one-quarter inch with the result that cam plate 6| is thus capable of pivoting about stud I00 within the limits of movement permitted by pin 60 in aperture 58a. The third apex of cam 6I is formed to provide a cam surface having a small lobe IOI which may be moved toward or away from shaft 59 by the pivotal movements of the cam just described.

The cam plate is urged to its most outwardly pivoted position by the action of a spring I03 which is held in compression between a lug I02 on the cam plate and a similar lug I04 fast with the inner face of plate crank 58. This arrange-- ment of parts is designed to permit the greatest radial movement of lobe IOI with respect to plate crank 58. In addition, the arrangement is such that the longest spring capable of fitting within the space limitations present may be used in order to obtain a maximum change of position of the cam plate for any given differential in weight between successive dipperfuls of beverage.

'A sensitive type switch I05, of which the well or rotation of cam H where known Microswitch is an example, having an actuating arm and cam follower I06, is positioned by means of a suitable supporting bracket on gear case 61 to place its cam follower in the path it may be actuated by contact with lobe IOI thereof. As w'illbe de'- scribed in detail hereinafter, actuation of this switch under certain conditions may cause the machine to cease further vending operations.

As plate crank 58 is rotated in a clockwise direction (Fig. 7), camlobe I M of the card plate will pass under cam follower I06. During this period of rotation of the plate crank, the weight of dipper 34 and its contents is transmitted through the various coupling components to chain 621 and crank pin 60. This weight tends to counteract spring I03, as previously explained, and thus cause cam plate 6|, and accordingly its lobe IOI, to be retracted toward shaft 58. The positioning of switch I05 circumferentially of plate crank 58 is arranged to cause its cam follower I06 to be engaged by lobe I0 I, if such engagement occurs at all, when the dipper handle 4| is just below the horizontal in its upward swing. Since the dipper will have its greatest leverage at this point, the effect of variations in the amount of beverage contained is then most pronounced and the best accuracy in the weighing operation is thus obtained. By properly proportioning or adjusting the compression of spring I03, the weight necessary to cause cam plate 6| to pivot a distance sufficient to prevent actuation of switch I05 can be closely controlled. Further control is provided by making the radial distance of switch I05 from shaft 59 accurately adjustable, securing means being provided to retain the switch in position on the supporting bracket once it has been properly adjusted. It will be apparent from the foregoing that the proper setting of the switch is obtained when contact between its cam follower I06 and cam lobe IN is just suflicient to actuate the switch with cam plate 6| in the most outwardly projected position which corresponds to the predetermined allowable minimum weight of beverage to be dispensed by the dipper. Thus, if the weight of beverage contained is suflicient to cause cam plate 6| to retract slightly toward shaft 59 from the aforesaid postion, actuation of switch I05 will not occur and the normal operation of the machine will not be affected.

In addition to switch I05, which may be termed the weight switch, two additional switches, I01 and I08, here called the "cycle switch and reset switch, respectively, are employed to assist in controlling the operation of the dipper. These are provided to give the step-by-step or delay action, hereinabove referred to, in rendering the dispensing mechanism inoperable by a customer. Each of these switches is similar in type to switch I 05 and is provided with an actuating arm and cam follower I09, II 0, respectively.

Switches I01 and I08 are supported by brackets from transmission B and are so positioned as to bring their respective cam followers into the plane of rotation of crank plate 58, being placed on either side and slightly forward of switch I05 for this purpose. Switches I01 and I08 are actuated by the passage of cam lobe 58b of plate crank 58 as it passes under the respective cam followers.

The foregoing arrangement of switches is such that they are disposed in an arc of approximately about the periphery of plate crank 58. As seen in Figs. 5 and 7, where cam 58b of plate crank 58 is in contact with cam follower I08 of cycle switch I01, rotation of the crank causes cam 58b to pass completely under and out of contact with cam followers I09 and H of switches I01, I08, respectively, before cam lobe IOI of cam plate BI contacts cam follower I06 of weight switch I05. For this reason, the positioning of .cam plate 6| on plate crank 58 must be such as to cause lobe IN to follow lobe 58b by something more than 90. In the present instance an angular distance of 105 has been found to be satisfactory. Thus, the operation of the switches is seriatim only, no two switches being operated at the same time. Further detailed description of the function of these switches is given in connection with the electrical system diagram.

The operations of the various components of the apparatus are coordinated through a system of electrical relays III, H2, H3 and H4 (Fig. 9). These relays are mounted on a removable panel I I5 positioned on top of assembly A and slightly to the rear of the cup dispenser 49 (as indicated in Fig. 4). Suitable cabled conductors serve to connect these relays to the various components of the electrical system.

Referring to Fig. 9, a particularly desirable form of electrical control circuit is illustrated in schematic form, in which the various components are shown in the conditions in which they will exist just prior to the start of a vending cycle.

As here shown, relays III and H2 are of the latching type in which one solenoid moves the relay contacts from what may be termed a normal position, to which they are spring urged, to an alternate position where they are mechanically held by a latch until released by a second or reset.

solenoid of the relay. A particularly suitable relay of this type is known to the trade as an Advance No. 604, which is made by the Advance Electric 8:

Relay Co. of Los Angeles, California. Relays II3 and I I4 are of the type in which thecontacts are moved to and held in their alternate position only ,so long as their actuating solenoids are energized. Suitable relays of this type which may be used are Advance Nos. 15044 and 1501-2 for relays H4 and H3, respectively. A coin switch H6 and a coin reject control solenoid I I1 are included in the coin mechanism 28 previously mentioned. The particular coin mechanism employed in this case is known as a National Slug Rejector, though other types could, of course, be used.

Electric current is supplied to the apparatus by power mains I I8 and H9, to which sub-mains H811 and 0a are connected in parallel, respectively, through a line switch I20. A fuse I2I in power main I I9 and second fuse I22 in sub-main II 8a protect the circuit from overload. It will be seen, therefore, that whenever switch I20 is closed, the circuit to motor M is completed and the motor will run continuously. At the same time, the circuit to coin solenoid I I1 is completed through the respective contact points of relays H3 and H4 and switch I01. Unless this coin solenoid is energized, an coin deposited in the machine will be refused and returned to the customer without actuating the associated coin switch II6. An indicator light W connected directly across sub-mains IIOa, 9a, serves as a warning whenever these sub-mains are energized.

In order to facilitate a clearer understanding of the operation of the control system, the assumption will first be made that a sufficient quantity of beverage is contained in the supply tank to enable the dipper to pick up a full portion. Following this, the description of the operations involved where the dipper does not pick up such full amount will then be given.

of spring I03 and the weight of a dipperful of As previously stated, avending cycle is initiated by the deposit of a coin in slot 28 at the front of the apparatus." Since coin'solenoid II1 has already been energized, coin switch II6 will be closed momentarily as the deposited coin falls past it. Closing this switch completes the circuit to the actuating solenoid of relay H4 and the movable contacts are accordingly shifted to their alternate position (i. e., downwardly in Fig. 9). At this instant, the following conditions prevail:

1. An alternate circuit for energizing the actuating solenoid of relay I I4 is completed through contacts I23, I 24, and switch I 01 to sub-main Il9a, thus holding the relay contacts in their present position even after coin switch IIG has againopened; I

2. Coincontrol solenoid I I1 is deenergized by the opening of its circuit at contacts I24, I25, of relay II4;

3. Clutch solenoid 96 is energized by completion of its circuit through contacts I26, I21 of relay I I4, and a vending indicator lamp I28 connected in parallel with the solenoid is illuminated;

4. Cup dispenser 49 is energized to dispense a cup by means of the circuit completed through contacts I29, I30, of relay II4.

As previously explained, operation of pin-clutch C by solenoid 96 will not effect an immediate engagement of pin 82 with gear 18 unless one of the pin-receiving holes BI, 8Ia, in the web of the gear happens to be in alignment with the pin 1. An alternate circuit for clutch solenoid 9% is cgrlnpleted through contacts I3I, I32, of switch 2. The circuit to the actuating solenoid of relay H4 is opened at contacts I32, I33, of switch I01, and the movable contacts of the relay return to their original position (i. e., the upper position in Fig. 9)

Continued rotation of vending crank 58 next cause cam 58b to actuate, momentarily, reset switch I08 by contact with its cam follower IIO. This action will cause a circuit to be completed through switch I08 to the reset solenoid of relay II I. Since relay II I has not previously been actuated, there is no change made in the system.

The next operation in chronological order is that of weighing the volume of beverage carried by dipper 34. As has been previously explained, this weighing is accomplished by the interaction beverage whereby the position of cam plate GI on plate crank 58 is varied accordingly. Since the assumption'has here been made that the dipper is'carrying and about to dispense a correct weight of beverage, cam plate 6| is pivotally depressed against spring I03 a sufficient distance to prevent its cam lobe IOI from actuating switch I05. Therefore, no further electrical change occurs in the system until the completion of the vending cycle, at which time cam 58b again engages camfollower I09 of cycle switch I01 and moves the switch contacts back to their original position. At this point therefore, the following condition exists:

As the suppl of beverage in tank 32 becomes nearly depleted, the dipper will no longer be able to pick up a full measure. When this point is reached, provision is made to prevent further vending cycles of the apparatus by the actuation of the weight switch, as previously mentioned. It has been found in the practical application of this method that an exceptionally high degree of sensitivity is obtained. In fact,

it has been found that the control is so sensitive that the loss from the dipper of a very small amount of beverage, as sometimes occurs during the dispensing cycle because of turbulence occasioned by the dispensing action itself, will cause the control system to be affected. The amount of this'loss is generally quite unsubstantial. It is desirable, therefore, that the control system be so designed as to be capable of assuming an initial condition, upon the vending of a first substandard weight of beverage, which does not immediately stop further vending cycles but which will cause the apparatus to be stopped only upon a second consecutive occurrence of such vending of an underweight measure.

As an illustration, assume that the amount of beverage picked up by the dipper is less than a predetermined standard. The preliminary steps of operation are identical with those of the preceding description down to the point of the -weighing operation. At this point however,

since the weight is not great enough to cause a sufficient retraction of cam 6| and its cam lobe IOI, switch I05 is actuated by the lobe passing under cam follower I06. This completes the circuit through contacts I34, I35, of relay II2 to the latching solenoid I36 of relay III. The relay is accordingly moved to and latched in its alternate position and the circuit through contacts I31 and I38 is closed. The rest of the cycle of plate crank 53 is then completed as before, and when cam lobe 53b again actuates cycle switch I01, a circuit is completed through its contacts I32, I33, through the now closed contact points I31, I38, of relay III, and thence to the latching solenoid I30 of relay II2. Relay I I2 thereupon assumes its alternate position (i. e. movable contacts down" in the diagram).

Upon actuation of the mechanism for a further cycle in which a substandard weight is again picked up by the dipper, the steps are the same as in the previous cycle through the point where cam lobe 58b actuates reset switch I00. In this case, however, since relay III has been set in its alternate position, closing of reset switch I releases the'armature of relay III from its latched position by completing the circuit through its trip solenoid I40. Then, as plate crank 50 continues to rotate and the weighing operation again takes place, the closing of weight switch I this time causes the following to occur:

1. a circuit is completed through contacts I34, I, of relay II2 to the solenoid of relay II3 causing its armature to move to its alternate position;

2. the armature is then held in this position by the completion of the circuit through contact points I42, I 43, to the solenoid;

3. contact points I44, I45, are opened to break the circuit to coin solenoid I I1 which is therefore not energized again even when switch I01 is moved to its original position by cam lobe 5th at the completion of the cycle;

4. an indicatorlight I45 in yarallel with the solenoid of relay II3 is illuminated.

When cam lobe 53b returns to its original posi- "tion and switch I01 is again actuated, a circuit is completed from the switch through contact points I31, I41, of relay III and contacts I40. I49, of relay I I2 to the trip solenoid of the latter. releasing the armature to its original position.

Further vending operation of the machine is prevented since coin solenoid H1 is deenergized,

although, of course, motor M continues to run and oscillate dipper 34 through its agitating cycle.

Whenever the above condition is reached, as

will be indicated by the illumination of light stood that switch I20 is located inside the locked cabinet, and is therefore inaccessible to the public.

Where the vending of a substandard weight of beverage is followed immediately by the vending of a full measure, which can result, as explained, from temporary excessive turbulence during the first vending cycle rather than because of the depletion of the supply of beverage, the design of the control system is such that the apparatus will continue to function normally thereafter. As shown above, the first vending of a substandard weight causes relay II2 to be set in its alternate position (i. e. movable contacts down in Fig. 9). If, however, the next vending cycle is normal again, weight switclf III will not be actuated and relay II3 will not be affected. Upon the completion of the cycle. therefore, cam lobe 58b, by returning switch I01 to its original position, causes the trip solenoid of relay II2 to be energized, thus returning this relay to its original condition. Accordingly, the

' and energizing the solenoid of relay II3 to cause it to move to the alternate position. Such action, of course, prevents further vending operations by deenergizing coin solenoid H1, and is independent of the other control operations. Cup dispensers incorporating this control are well known in the art, the type here employed being manufactured by the Johnson Fare Box (30., and accordingly form no part of the present invention.

It has been found in practice that the opera- 1'5 tion of clutch solenoid 96 may cau'se an undesirable amount of noise as the T-shaped head of the armature strikes. the core at the end of its travel. This objection may be readily overcome, for example, by the incorporation of a bumperbar I50, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5, against which an anvil 98a at the upper end of-armature 98 may strike immediately preceding the completion of its travel. In this instance the bar is supported above the end of the armature by a pair of arms 1 5| pivotally secured to bracket 91, the arms being prevented from swingingbelow the horizontal by the abutment of flanges I5Ia against bracketQ'I. A short section of resilient material I52 such as rubber hoseing, for example, is placed on bar I50 for the anvil to strike against. As the arrrature reaches its upper or fully withdrawn position, it strikes the bumper-bar and its momentum is rapidly absorbed bythe inertia of the bar and the resilience of hose section I52, thus deadening any undesirable noise.

In the normal operation of amachine of this type it is not unusual to encOunter'sOme spillage of beverage at the vending outlet because of the careless or premature removal by the customer of a filled cup. For this reason it is desirable to facilitate the rapid and complete flow from the dispensing nozzle into the cup. To assist in this, as well as to facilitate the cleaning of the unit, nozzle 45 is composed of a removable tip 450 in which a pair of rectangularly intersecting vanes 45d are centrally located. The lower tips of these vanes are beveled inwardly, respectively, so as to concentrate the flow of beverage and thus ensure a more even and rapid run-01f. In spite of this precaution, however, some dripping is practically inevitable and quite frequently this may attract flies and other insects to the vending outlet. One rather simple means of overcoming this difficulty is to place an exhaust fan I53 on motor M and surround it' by a duct I54. In this manner a current of air is caused to be drawn into the enclosing-cabinet 20 through ventilating louvres 24 and to be discharged through cup access 25. The current of air thus created about the discharge nozzle 45 is usually sufficient to discourage any congregation of insects. If desired, indicator lamp W may be a sterilizing lamp which is placed adjacent the nozzle, thus affording further sanitary protection for the unit.

In order to prevent the beverage from running out the inner end of the rearwardly extending shank of nozzle 45 and thence down along the outside of the nozzle and the inner wall of panel 41, an internally formed bead 45c may be provided in the nozzle shank, as shown in Fig. 8. It should be pointed out, however, that the inner diameter of nozzle 45 is made sufiiciently large at this point to ensure that the bead does not contact the outer surface of elbow 42, for the reasons hereinbefore described. In addition to incorporating a bead to prevent the objection to drainage above mentioned, the nozzle aperture 46 may be so designed as to cause the inwardly projecting shank of the nozzle to slope downwardly slightly toward tank 32 and thus cause any remaining beverage to drip back into the tank itself.

All parts of the apparatus coming in contact with the beverage to be dispensed should most desirably be made of a silver plated base metal, stainless steel or other material suitably resistant to corrosion and discoloration from the acids pretent in fruit juices or other beverages. Most of such parts are shown in Fig. 8 and include the refrigerated compartment, the beverage supply tank, the dipper, its associated discharge nozzle, and the dipper supporting and actuating shaft and shaft-housing assembly.

What is claimed is:

1. Liquid dispensing apparatus comprising, in combination, a supply tank, a dipper device mounted to swing within said tank, power means, a driving connection between said power means and said dipper device actuatable to swing the latter into dispensing position, and means adapted and arranged, when the quantity of liquid contained in the dipper as it approaches the dispensing position is sufficiently less than a predetermined normal, to act upon said driving connection and thereby limit, the extent to which it can continue dispensing operations.

2. Liquid dispensing apparatus as defined in claim 1, in which said means operable to limit the dispensing operability of said driving connection includes a device responsive to the. weight of liquid contained in said dipper device.

3. In automatic liquid vending apparatJsof the class described, the combination of a liquid supply tank, a measuring member for removing a quantity of liquid from said tank and elevating itto a dispensing position, driving means for actuating said measuring member, said means ineluding a device responsive'to the weight of liquid contained in said measuring member during elevation thereof above the level of liquid inthe tank, and control mechanism actuatable by said device uoon occurrence of a predetermined weight deficiency, to render said driving means ineifective. i

4. Automatic liquid dispensing apparatus 'including a supply tank, a movable dipper for dispensing a portion of liquid from said tank, a power driven member, and transmission means including a clutch and actuating meanstherefor normally operable to connect anddisconnect said dipper to and from'said-driven member, at the beginning and end respectively Of a di nsing cycle, said transmission means further including a weighing device responsiveto the weight of liquid contained in the dipper during such a dispensing cycle of the apparatus and arranged, upon occurrence ofa predetermined weight deficiency, to render the clutch actuating means ineffective to connect said dipper to said driven member to initiate a subsequent dispensing cycle. I 7

5. In automatic liquid dispensing apparatus, the combination of a liquid supply tank, a dipper pivotally depending thereinto, power means actuatable upon demand to swing said dipper upwardly into position to dispense a measured quantity of said liquid, driving means operativcly connecting said dipper to said power means and including a pivoted lever whose angular position is variable in accordance with the weight of liquid contained in said dipper, and means actuatable by said lever upon occurrence of a predetermined weight deficiency, to prevent subsequent dispensing operation of the apparatus.

6. Automatic beverage dispensin apparatus.

comprising, in combination, a dipper pivotally suspended to swing about a horizontal axis upwardly out of a beverage supply into dispensing position and back again in a dispensing cycle, a source of power and power transmission means connectedthereto, clutch means normally actuatable upon demand to establish a driving connection between the power means and the dipper to move the latter through only one such cycle pcrdemand, means automatically 17 to disestablish said driving connection, control means responsive to the quantity of beverage contained in said dipper as it approaches its dispensing position, said control means functioning when said quantity is substantially less than a predetermined standard quantity, to prevent subsequent normal actuation of said clutch means for establishment of said driving connection.

7. Automatic dispensing apparatus as defined in claim 6, wherein said control means comprises a member included in said transmission means and movable in response to the decrease in the load on the transmission means occasioned by such quantit deficiency.

8. Automatic liquid dispensing apparatus comprising, in combination, a liquid supply tank, a dipper pivotally depending thereinto, power means, a transmission connecting said power means with said dipper, said transmission including a shiitable member, shifting means operable upon demand to move said member from a normally inactive position into an active position, whereby the dipper is caused to perform a dispensing cycle movement in which it scoops up liquid and swings to a liquid dispensing position,

18 when the quantity of beverage contained in the dipper is substantially less than a predetermined standard quantity.

11. Automatic beverage dispensing apparatus as defined in claim 10, in which the clutch operating means is an electrical system having a control switch adapted and arranged to be actuated by said actuating member when the latter is in its active position.

12. Automatic beverage dispensing apparatus as defined in claim 11, in which said actuating member is a balance arm pivoted at one point to said crank and having a lost motion connection thereto at another point.

13. Automatic beverage dispensing apparatus as defined in claim 12, in which said balance arm is v provided with a cam surface adapted and arafter which the shiftable transmission member is returned to inactive position, a pivoted balance arm also included in said transmission, the position of said arm being variable in accordance with the weight of liquid contained in said dipper, and means actuatable by said arm, when the weight of liquid contained in said dipper as it approaches said dispensing position is less than a predetermined weight, to prevent said transmission member from being shifted to its dipper-actuating position.

9. Automatic liquid dispensing apparatus as defined in claim 8, which further includes means for delayin such prevention of shifting of said transmission member into dipper-actuating position until after performanc of at least one additional dispensing cycle under the weight deficiency condition.

10. Automatic beverage dispensing apparatus comprising, in combination, a dipper pivoted to swing about a horizontal axis upwardly out of a beverage supply into a, dispensing position and back again, in a dispensing cycle, a source of power and power transmission means operable, upon each demand, to drive the dipper through a single dispensing cycle, said transmission ineluding a crank mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis and having driving connection to the dipper for swinging it in the aforesaid dispensing cycle, clutch means between said crank and said source of power having a member shiftable to connect the crank to or disconnect it from the source of power, clutch operating means, and an actuating member connected to said crank and constrained to rotate therewith but capable of limited movement relative thereto between an active position and an inactive position, in the former of which it is operative to act upon said clutch operating means to render the same incapable of moving the shiftable clutch member into its connecting position, spring means urging said actuating member toward its active position; the connection between said crank and said actuating member being such that, as the dipper approaches its dispensing position, the weight of the dipper and its contents acts through such connection to overbalance the opposing urge of said spring means and render said actuating member inactive, except ranged, when said balance arm is in active position, to engage and actuate said control switch.

14. Beverage dispensing apparatus as defined in claim 11, in which said electrical system includes a plurality of relays arranged to be set, step-by-step, by successive actuations of said control switch, to render said clutch operating means incapable of moving the shiftable clutch member into its connecting position, and. thereby to permit at least one additional dispensing cycle to be performed following the cycle in which a quantity deficiency first occurs.

15. Beverage dispensing apparatus as defined in claim 14, in which there are three relays, the first relay being set, by the initial actuation of said control switch, in a condition to actuate the second relay at the completion of the dispensing cycle, the second relay then being set in a condition whereby the next actuation of said control switch will actuate the third relay, the actuation of said third relay rendering said clutch operating means inoperative to effect a subsequent shifting of said clutch member into its connecting position.

16. Beverage dispensing apparatus as defined in claim 15, in which the electric system further includes relay-resetting circuits and control switches therefor, and cam means rotatable with said crank and adapted to engage said switches for resetting the relays.

17. Automatic beverage dispensing apparatus as defined in claim 6, in which said control means includes coin-actuated mechanism adapted and arranged to initiate movement of said dipper through a dispensing cycle upon deposit of a coin therein and to be rendered incapable of initiating subsequent dispensing cycles upon occurrence of such quantity deficiency in a preceding cycle.

18. Automatic beverage dispensing apparatus as defined in claim 10, in which the clutch operating means is an electrical system having a control switch adapted and arranged to be actuated by said actuating member when the latter is in its active position, said electrical system also including coin-actuated mechanism adapted and arranged to initiate movement of said dipper through a dispensing cycle upon deposit oi a coin therein and to'be rendered incapable of initiating subsequent dispensing cycles upon occurrence of such quantity deficiency in a preceding cycle.

19. In liquid dispensing apparatus, a liquid measuring device mounted to be swung about a horizontal axis upwardly out of a liquid supply into a dispensing position for gravity discharge of its contents, and then back again, in a dispensing cycle, and means for driving said device to perform such cycle; such driving means including a crank and having an extensible driving connection between said crank and said device and also having a driving stroke such as would cause elevation of said device upon rotation of said crank, if unimpeded, above said dispensing position, and stop means adapted and arranged to prevent upward movement of said device beyond said position; whereby the measuring device is caused to dwell at this stage of the dispensing cycle while the crank continues to rotate.

20. Liquid dispensing apparatus comprising a liquid supply reservoir, a dipper device including a dipper having a hollow stem and terminating in a scoop, a shaft to which said dipper is operatively connected and by which it is supported for swinging movement about a horizontal axis, a driving sprocket secured to said shaft, a chain trained around said sprocket and secured at one of its ends to a spring which constantly exerts a pull thereon, a motor, a normally idle crank shaft, a crank mounted thereon for rotation in a vertical plane, a second spring operatively connecting said crank to the other end of said chain, clutch means engageable to connect said normally idle shaft with said motor for driving said shaft and its associated crank through one complete revolution to swing said dipper up into a dispensing position and back to its original position, and means interrupting the swing of said dipper at a point where its scoop end is above the horizontal plane passing through its supporting shaft but before said crank reaches the highest point in its throw, said interruption being permitted by the stretching of said second spring as said crank passes through the upper portion of its throw.

21. Liquid dispensing apparatus as defined in claim 20 in which said interrupting means comprises a pin secured to said sprocket and an adjustable stop mounted on said apparatus against which said pin abuts when said dipper is swung up into the aforesaid dispensing position.

22. In liquid dispensing apparatus as defined in claim 1, means operable to establish said driving connection which includes a shiftable clutch member, a solenoid and a source of energy therefor operable to shift said clutch member into engagement with said driving connection, said solenoid having an armature confined for movement between fixed limits, and yieldable stop means adjacent at least one of such limits against which said armature strikes immediately preceding its arrival at such limit to retard the final movement of said armature and reduce operational noise.

23. Liquid dispensing apparatus as defined in claim 1, in which said means operable to establish said driving connection includes a shiftable clutch member, a solenoid device and a source of energy therefor, said device including a movable armature, and connecting means between said armature and said clutch member for shifting the latter into engagement with said driving connection whenever said solenoid is energized, said connecting means providing a sufficiently loose connection in the deenergized condition of said solenoid to permit an appreciable initial movement of said armature before effecting the engagement of said clutch member with said driving member when said solenoid is energized.

24. An electric solenoid, a source of power therefor, said solenoid having a movable armature, a shiftable member, and means connecting said member with said armature for shifting said member to an alternate position whenever said solenoid is energized, such connecting means being adapted and arranged to provide, in the deenergized condition of said solenoid, sufilcient slack in the connection between said armature and said shiftable member to permit an initial free movement of said armature when said solenoid is energized, without effecting a shifting of said shiftable member.

25. Liquid dispensing apparatus comprising a supply tank adapted to contain a body of liquid that is to be dispensed in substantially equal predetermined quantities, a liquid measurin member mounted for movement, in a dispensing cycle, from a position in said tank to a liquid dispensing position and back into the tank, driving means operable, upon initiation, to effect such movement of the measuring member through one cycle, means for initiating said driving means, weighing means for weighing the quantity of liquid contained in the measuring member as it approaches dispensing position, and means operable by said Weighing means in response to a deficiency in the quantity of liquid therein for rendering said initiating means incapable of initiating another dispensing cycle.

26. Liquid dispensing means as defined in claim 25 including additional, manually operable means, connected with the initiating means for rendering the latter again capable of initiating additional dispensing cycles.

27. Liquid dispensing means as defined in claim 25 including additional means for delaying incapacitation of the initiating means until more than one successive quantity deficient dispensing cycle has been completed.

28. Liquid dispensing apparatus comprising, in combination, a supply tank adapted to contain liquid that is to be dispensed in substantially equal predetermined quantities, a liquid measuring member mounted for movement through a dispensing cycle from a normal position within said tank upwardly into a liquid dispensing position and return, power means connectable to said measuring member for driving the same through a dispensing cycle, means for effecting said con; nection, and weighing means acting, when the quantity of liquid contained in said measuring member as it approaches said dispensing position is less than a predetermined normal, to disable the means for effecting the driving connection against operation to drive the measuring member through subsequent dispensing cycles.

ROBERT R. HULL.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,848,836 Polsen Mar. 8, 1932 1,944,810 Rogers Jan. 23, 1934 

